European Union imposes new sanctions against officials deemed responsible for Russia’s actions in Ukraine

BRUSSELS — The Dutch foreign minister says the European Union is imposing new sanctions against officials deemed responsible for Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

Tuesday’s decision by foreign ministers from the 28-nation bloc came days after a Malaysia Airlines plane was shot down over territory held by pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 people aboard.

The Netherlands’ Frans Timmermans said the EU’s “forceful decision” imposes visa bans and asset freezes on more officials.

He says the ministers also asked the 28-nation bloc’s executive arm to prepare for more forceful economic sanctions — including targeting the arms, energy and financial sectors — if Russia fails to back down from destabilizing Ukraine.

Timmerman did not specify how many officials were targeted under the latest sanctions, nor did he reveal their names.